Gaming device having mutable awards

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing mutable awards in gaming devices. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to include processes where various properties, functions, characteristics, displays, or other award components have some dynamic variability between game play events on a gaming system or within a gaming device. Although not all, or even one, of the award components needs to be changed or mutated between game play events, the processes are configured to allow such award components to be changed or mutated within a predefined time frame, within a defined game event, or within another measurable criterion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/575,812, filed Dec. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,916,733, whichclaims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/928,475,filed on Jan. 17, 2014 and Provisional Patent Application No.61/932,351, filed on Jan. 28, 2014, both of to which priority is claimedpursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and both of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to games, and more particularly tosystems, apparatuses and methods for providing mutable awards in gamingdevices.

BACKGROUND

Casino games such as poker, slots, and craps have long been enjoyed as ameans of entertainment. Almost any game of chance that can be playedusing traditional apparatus (e.g., cards, dice) can be simulated on acomputer. The popularity of casino gambling with wagering continues toincrease, as does recreational gambling such as non-wagering computergame gambling. It is also likely that most new games will beimplemented, at least in part, using computerized apparatus.

One reason that casino games are widely implemented on computerizedapparatus is that computerized games are highly adaptable, easilyconfigurable and re-configurable, and require minimal supervision tooperate. For example, the graphics and sounds included in such games canbe easily modified to reflect popular subjects, such as movies andtelevision shows.

Computer gaming devices can also be easily adapted to provide entirelynew games of chance that might be difficult to implement usingmechanical or discrete electronic circuits.

Because of the ubiquity of computerized gaming machines, players havecome to expect the availability of an ever wider selection of new gameswhen visiting casinos and other gaming venues. Playing new games adds tothe excitement of “gaming ” As is well known in the art and as usedherein, the term “gaming” and “gaming devices” generally involves someform of wagering, and that players make wagers of value, whether actualcurrency or something else of value, e.g., token or credit.Wagering-type games usually provide rewards based on random chance asopposed to skill. In some jurisdictions, the absence of skill whendetermining awards during game play is a requirement.

The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and apparatus thatprovide for new and interesting gaming experiences, and that provideother advantages over the prior art.

SUMMARY

To overcome limitations in the prior art described above, and toovercome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, embodiments of the presentinvention are directed to an apparatus, system, computer readablestorage media, and/or method that involve or otherwise facilitateimplementation of mutable awards on gaming devices. Here, a gamingdevice can be configured to include processes where various properties,functions, characteristics, displays, or other award components havesome dynamic variability between game play events on a gaming system orwithin a gaming device. Although not all, or even one, of the awardcomponents needs to be changed or mutated between game play events, theprocesses are configured to allow such award components to be changed ormutated within a predefined time frame, within a defined game event, orwithin another measurable criterion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example gaming machine according toembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are detail diagrams of a game displayillustrating a game progression of an example gaming device havingmutable awards according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are detail diagrams of a game displayillustrating another game progression of an example gaming device havingmutable awards according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are detail diagrams of a game displayillustrating another game progression of an example gaming device havingmutable awards according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, SI, 5J, 5K, and 5L are detaildiagrams of a game display illustrating another game progression of anexample gaming device having mutable awards according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, and 6H are detail diagrams of a gamedisplay illustrating another game progression of an example gamingdevice having mutable awards according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method of providing mutableawards in gaming device according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of another example method of providing mutableawards in gaming device according to embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a computing arrangement accordingto embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, referenceis made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and inwhich is shown by way of illustration representative embodiments inwhich the features described herein may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural andoperational changes may be made without departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

In the description that follows, the term “reels,” “cards,” “decks,” andsimilar mechanically descriptive language may be used to describevarious apparatus presentation features, as well as various actionsoccurring to those objects (e.g., “spin,” “draw,” “hold,” “bet”).Although the present disclosure may be applicable to both to manual,mechanical, and computerized embodiments, and any combinationtherebetween, the use of mechanically descriptive terms is not meant tobe only applicable to mechanical embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill understand that, for purposes of providing gaming experiences toplayers, mechanical elements such as cards, reels, and the like may besimulated on a display in order to provide a familiar and satisfyingexperience that emulates the behavior of mechanical objects, as well asemulating actions that occur in the non-computerized games (e.g.,spinning, holding, drawing, betting). Further, the computerized versionmay provide the look of mechanical equivalents but may be generallyrandomized in a different way. Thus, the terms “cards,” “decks,”“reels,” “hands,” etc., are intended to describe both physical objectsand emulation or simulations of those objects and their behaviors usingelectronic apparatus.

In various embodiments of the invention, the gaming displays aredescribed in conjunction with the use of data in the form of “symbols.”In the context of this disclosure, a “symbol” may generally refer atleast to a collection of one or more arbitrary indicia or signs thathave some conventional significance. In particular, the symbolrepresents values that can at least be used to determine whether toaward a payout. A symbol may include numbers, letters, shapes, pictures,textures, colors, sounds, etc., and any combination therebetween. A wincan be determined by comparing the symbol with another symbol.Generally, such comparisons can be performed via software by mappingnumbers (or other data structures such as character strings) to thesymbols and performing the comparisons on the numbers/data structures.Other conventions associated with known games (e.g., the numericalvalue/ordering of face cards and aces in card games) may also beprogrammatically analyzed to determine winning combinations.

Generally, systems, apparatuses and methods are described for enhancingwinning result opportunities in gaming activities. In some embodiments,this enhancement includes providing mutable awards that can dynamicallychange various award processes or features between game play events. Thesystems, apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented asa single game, or part of a multi-part game. For example, the gamefeatures described herein may be implemented in primary gamingactivities, bonus games, side bet games or other secondary gamesassociated with a primary gaming activity. The game features may beimplemented in stand-alone games, multi-player games, etc. Further, thedisclosure may be applied to games of chance, and descriptions providedin the context of any representative game (e.g. video slot machine) areprovided for purposes of facilitating an understanding of the featuresdescribed herein. However, the principles described herein are equallyapplicable to any game of chance where an outcome(s) is determined foruse in the player's gaming activity. The game features described hereinmay be employed in stand-alone games, a primary/base games, bonus games,side bet games, etc.

Returning to some of the particular embodiments in this disclosure,gaming devices are configured to provide mutable awards. Here, theseembodiments include processes where various properties, functions,characteristics, displays, or other award components have some dynamicvariability between game play events on a gaming system or within agaming device. Although not all, or even one, of the award componentsneeds to be changed or mutated between game play events, the processesare configured to allow such award components to be changed or mutatedwithin a predefined time frame, within a defined game event, or withinanother measurable criterion.

Some embodiments provided herein describe a method to create an award orfeature in a video slot game with at least some of the followingproperties regarding award processes or rules: 1) Rules defining theaward or feature are capable of changing from one bet to the next; 2)Rule changes occur and are communicated to the player before it isdetermined whether to initiate the award or feature; and/or 3) The rulechanges are large in magnitude and/or applicable to multiple aspects ofthe award or feature.

Properties or components of an award or feature can include, but are notlimited to:

-   -   Category (e.g., fixed-credit award; progressive award;        free-games bonus or other feature)    -   Initiation requirements (e.g., identity of initiating symbol or        symbols; number of symbols required; location of symbols)    -   Degree of magnitude (e.g., credit award amount; Progressive        award level; number of free games awarded; multiplier value,        etc.)

While some conventional games allow for minor changes in at most one ofthese aspects, such as progressive awards that add a portion of a coinwager to a progressive award amount, some embodiments of the presentconcept allow two or more aspects to vary, thus providing increasedvariety to players. Other embodiments enable games to randomly carry outa temporary, substantial change to the rules for a given feature oraward. In some embodiments, rules changes under the present concept aremade visible to a player as they happen, and may be made visible beforeit is known whether the award will be won or the feature initiated. Suchvisibility may not only promote variety of experience for the player,but may also provide a unique sense of anticipation for the player.

Possible Embodiments and Variations

Items 1, 2(a), and 2(b) below extend the traditional Progressive gamemechanic, providing new ways to allocate a proportion of every creditbet to increasing the expected pay of a given award. Item 2(c) is amultiplayer feature, while Item 3 is a standalone game mechanic Item 4describes some variants. While a Progressive award is described below asthe mutable award, these principles can be applied to any type ofmutable award.

-   -   1. Multi-dimensional, large changes with small net impact.        -   a. A progressive award in which two or more aspects may            change simultaneously, e.g.: the rule may change from            -   4 [P1] on Line 90 or higher awards 20,150 credits        -    to            -   3 [P1] on Line 100 awards 20,151 credits.        -   b. A progressive award in which new, alternative initiation            conditions are added, e.g.: the rule may change from            -   4 [P1] on any line awards 20,150 credits        -    to            -   Either 4 [P1] on any line or 3 [P1] on Line 100 awards                20,151 credits.    -   2. Single-dimensional or multi-dimensional; large, temporary        changes occur at random. A progressive award in which one or        more aspects may change at random for a specified duration.        Examples:        -   a. Initially, the progressive awards 100 credits. On any            given bet, after the bet is placed, a random draw is            performed, and with some probability the award is increased            to 1000 credits. (This change may apply only to the current            bet.) The probability of this change occurring increases            with each bet. Once the probability reaches 100%, the            default award becomes 1000 credits, and there is a random            draw to decide whether to award 10,000 credits.        -   b. Initially, the progressive is initiated by 5 SC symbols.            With each bet, a random draw is performed, and with some            probability the initiation requirement is changed from “5            SC” to “4 or more SC” (for the present bet only). This            probability increases gradually with each bet. If the            probability reaches 100%, then “4 or more SC” becomes the            default requirement, and there is some probability that the            requirement will change to “3 or more SC.”        -   c. A “frenzy mode” feature. This feature may be defined so            that it applies to a single machine, or it may be defined so            that it applies to all eligible machines in a larger group            or network. When this feature is initiated, it increases the            expected value of the Progressive for a specified period of            time or number of bets. The increase could take one of            several possible forms, e.g.:            -   i. Increment or multiply the jackpot by a certain amount            -   ii. Change the Progressive initiation criteria from “5                SC symbols” to “3 or more SC symbols”            -   iii. In a game with multiple Progressive levels, change                the awards from (say) “3 SC awards Level 1, 4 SC awards                Level 2, . . . ” to “3 SC awards Level 2, 4 SC awards                Level 3, . . . ”.    -   3. Multi-dimensional, large changes, high volatility. An award        with multiple aspects that vary from one bet to the next, based        on one or more templates. Frequently, one or two aspects (but no        more) are favorable to the player. For example, if the rule        template is        -   [symbol] [symbol] [symbol] on central payline awards            <amount>,    -    then the rule itself may change from        -   [Red 7] [Any 7] [Triple Bar] on central payline awards 100    -    to        -   [Any Bar] [Blue 7] [Single Bar] on central payline awards 20    -    to        -   [Double Bar] [Any Bar] [Any 7] on central payline awards            200.    -    The condition with maximum possible expected value may look        something like:        -   [Any Bar] [Any Bar] [Any Bar] on central payline awards            10,000    -    and would naturally be extremely unlikely to appear.    -   4. Variants.        -   a. The dimensions or aspects may be: initiation requirements            (e.g., initiating symbol or symbols; number of symbols            required; location of symbols); Type of award or feature            (e.g., fixed-credit award; Progressive award; Free-games            bonus or other feature); Magnitude of the award or feature            (e.g., credit award amount; Progressive award level; Number            of free games awarded; or Multiplier value).        -   b. A rules change may affect any number of dimensions of a            rule. One embodiment may specify that only one dimension            changes per bet; another may specify that all dimensions may            change per bet.        -   c. Rules changes may be initiated by hidden random draw or            by specified symbol combinations or by player action (e.g.            pick bonus or wheel spin), or by some combination of these            factors.        -   d. A rule template may have a blank that is filled by            another rule template, so that (e.g.)            -   “3 [SC] initiates Progressive Level 5”        -    may change to            -   “3 [SC] initiates Free Spin Bonus with Multiplier 10×.”        -   e. A game may have more than one feature governed by mutable            rules, and/or a game may have feature(s) governed by more            than one mutable rule.        -   f. Rules changes may be triggered or otherwise affected by a            central controller rather than by an individual machine.

Rule Templates

In a typical embodiment of the present invention, one or more templatesmay be used to define an award or feature with mutable properties. Foreach template, initial values and rules for changing the values aredefined. The rest of this section contains an example of how this maywork in practice.

For example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D uses a rule template tohelp define a composition of a mutable award.

Consider the following template:

Count of symbol name from left to right on line line-descriptor awardsProgressive level progressive level number.

The blanks in this template may be initially filled in so that theinitiation criterion is as follows:

Here, the spaces with arrows above them are the variable fields of thetemplate which can be filled with one or more of multiple predefinedvalues or objects. These blanks can be filled using various routines ortechniques. As an example, refer again to FIGS. 2A-2D below in which agame display is shown following a gaming event (see FIG. 2A below). Theitems that fill in the blanks are changed while the reels are stillspinning (FIGS. 2B and 2C), and then the new rule applies after thereels stop spinning (FIG. 2D).Standalone Game with Multidimensional Progressive(Note: Specific numbers listed below are for illustration only; they donot represent rigorous mathematics.)A 100-line, 5-reel game in which 0.8% of each credit bet is allocatedboth to incrementing the Progressive award meter and to making it easierto win the Progressive. After the Progressive is reset, the rule forawarding the Progressive is

5 [P1] on Line 100 awards 10,000 credits.

After a certain number of bets, this condition may change to

5 [P1] on Line 100 awards 10,001 credits.

After a number of additional bets, the condition may change from

5 [P1] on Line 100 awards 10,027 credits

to

5 [P1] on Line 99 or higher awards 10,027 credits

or possibly to

5 [P1] on Line 99 or higher awards 10,028 credits.

If the Progressive is not won after a large number of additional bets,then the condition may change from

5 [P1] on Line 1 or higher awards 11,017 credits

to

5 [P1] on any line, or 4 [P1] on Line 100, awards 11,017 credits.

After some more bets, the condition may change from

5 [P1] on any line, or 4 [P1] on Line 100, awards 11,038 credits.

to

5 [P1] on any line, or 4 [P1] on Line 99 or higher, awards 11,038credits.

This process continues until the Progressive is won or the “bestpossible” initiation condition is reached.Wide-Area Progressive with Frenzy Modes

Although any type of gaming device may be used, consider a 3-reel gamewith a wide-area progressive in this illustrative example. Under normalcircumstances, the rule for awarding the Progressive is

3 scattered [SC] symbols awards the wide-area jackpot.

Each bet has a small probability of initiating a “frenzy mode,” in which(for a certain number of subsequent bets) the rule for awarding theProgressive is

2 scattered [SC] symbols awards the wide-area jackpot.

Moreover, a central controller periodically sends a message to allmachines in a certain group (either a randomly chosen bank, or arandomly chosen casino, or the entire network), instructing thosemachines to enter a “super frenzy mode” provided some eligibilitycondition (e.g., a certain number of qualifying bets placed over thepast 120 seconds) is met. During the super frenzy mode, the “2 scatteredsymbols” rule is in effect for all eligible machines for a certainperiod of time.

Progressive Award in a Free-Games Bonus; One Element Improves Per Spin

When a free-games bonus is initiated, the Progressive properties (alsocalled herein mutable components of the mutable award) are assigned adefault set of values, e.g.: “37 5 of

from left to right on Line 1 awards Progressive Level 1.” With each freegame played, one aspect of the Progressive properties is incremented ordecremented during the spin, in such a fashion as to improve theexpected value of the Progressive for the player. Here is an example ofhow the Progressive conditions may evolve from one free game to thenext, in a bonus consisting of 10 free games, with the changed elementunderlined on each line.

-   -   1. 4 of        from left to right on Line 1 awards Progressive Level 1    -   2. 4 of        from left to right on Line 2 or lower awards Progressive Level 1    -   3. 4 of        from left to right on Line 2 or lower awards Progressive Level 2    -   4. 4 of        from left to right on Line 3 or lower awards Progressive Level 2    -   5. 4 of        from left to right on Line 4 or lower awards Progressive Level 2    -   6. 4 of        from left to right on Line 4 or lower awards Progressive Level 2        (assuming        occurs more frequently than        )    -   7. 3 of        from left to right on Line 4 or lower awards Progressive Level 2    -   8. 3 of        from left to right on Line 5 or lower awards Progressive Level 2    -   9. 3 of        from left to right on Line 5 or lower awards Progressive Level 3    -   10. 3 of        from left to right on Line 6 or lower awards Progressive Level 3

A representative embodiment for a gaming device to implement theembodiments discussed above is shown in FIG. 1. Embodiments of thepresent concept include providing gaming devices (also referred to asgaming apparatuses or gaming machines), gaming systems, and methods ofoperating these devices or systems to provide game play that utilizesoperations of mutable awards. Although some of these embodiments andvariations are discussed above with regard to providing mutable awards,many other embodiments and variations exist that are covered by theprinciples and scope of this concept. For example, although some of theembodiments discussed above involve reel-based slot machine examples ofthis concept, other embodiments include applications of mutable awardtechniques in other types of games such as video poker games, mechanicalslot machines, or other games of chance.

Referring to the example gaming apparatus or device 100 shown in FIG. 1,the gaming apparatus includes a display portion 102 (also referred to asa gaming display), and a player interface portion 104, although some orall of the user interface 104 may be provided via the display 102 intouch screen embodiments. The display portion 102 may include one ormore display areas 106 that may be included in physically separatedisplays or as portions of a common large display. Here, the gamedisplay 106 includes a game play portion 108 that displays game elementsand symbols 110, an award information or messaging portion 111, and anoperations portion 109 that can include meters, various game buttons, orother game information for a player of the gaming device 100. This awardinformation or messaging portion 111 may be used in some embodiments todisplay elements regarding the amounts or characteristics of one or moremutable awards.

The user interface 104 allows the user to control and engage in play ofthe gaming machine 100. The particular user interface mechanismsincluded with user interface 104 may be dependent on the type of gamingdevice. For example, the user interface 104 may include one or morebuttons, switches, joysticks, levers, pull-down handles, trackballs,voice-activated input, or any other user input system or mechanism thatallows the user to play the particular gaming activity.

The user interface 104 may allow the user or player to enter coins,bills, or otherwise obtain credits through vouchers, tokens, creditcards, tickets, etc. Various mechanisms for entering such vouchers,tokens, credit cards, coins, tickets, etc. are known in the art. Forexample, coin/symbol input mechanisms, card readers, credit cardreaders, smart card readers, punch card readers, radio frequencyidentifier (RFID) readers, and other mechanisms may be used to enterwagers. It is through the user interface 104 that the player caninitiate and engage in gaming activities. While the illustratedembodiment depicts various buttons for the user interface 104, it shouldbe recognized that a wide variety of user interface options areavailable for use in connection with the present invention, includingpressing buttons, touching a segment of a touch-screen, entering text,entering voice commands, or other known data entry methodology.

The display device 102 may include one or more of an electronic display,a mechanical display, and a fixed display information, such as paytableinformation associated with a glass/plastic panel on the gaming machine100. The symbols or other indicia associated with the play of the gamemay be presented on an electronic display device or on mechanicaldevices associated with a mechanical display. Generally, the display 102devotes the largest portion of viewable area to the primary gamingportion 106. The gaming portion 106 is generally where the visualfeedback for any selected game is provided to the user. The gamingportion 106 may render graphical objects such as cards, slot reels,dice, animated characters, and any other gaming visual known in the art.The gaming portion 106 also typically informs players of the outcome ofany particular event, including whether the event resulted in a win orloss.

The gaming portion 106 may include other features known in the art thatfacilitate gaming, such as status and control portion 109. As isgenerally known in the art, this portion 109 provides information aboutcurrent bets, current wins, remaining credits, etc. associated withgaming activities of the grid 108. The control portion 109 may alsoprovide touchscreen controls for facilitating game play. The grid 108may also include touchscreen features, such as facilitating selection ofindividual cards for holding prior to draw of new cards and/or advancingparticular cards to move up to the next hand if conditions aresatisfied. The gaming portion 106 of the display 102 may include otherfeatures that are not shown, such as paytables, navigation controls,etc.

As discussed above, the gaming portion 106 may also include an awardinformation portion or messaging portion 111 to display elementsregarding the amounts or characteristics of one or more mutable awards.For example, in the messaging portion 111 shown in FIG. 1, a specificaward initiation requirement (five shaded-7 symbols), and an awardmagnitude (Progressive Level 2) are shown. The messaging portion 111 maydynamically mutate or change so that different award initiationrequirements, different award magnitudes, or other different awardcomponents may be shown to a player prior to an outcome of a gamingevent being displayed. The dynamic nature of this award information inthe messaging portion 111 may provide game enhancement and anticipationfor players.

FIGS. 2A-2D, 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5L, and 6A-6H are detail diagrams of gamedisplays illustrating various game progressions of example gamingdevices having mutable awards according to embodiments of the invention.While these figures illustrate some of the possible embodimentsutilizing mutable awards concepts, many other embodiments are possibleusing these and other techniques in implementing mutable awards ingaming devices or gaming systems.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, a gaming display 200 includes a status andcommand portion 205, a game play grid 210, and a messaging portion 250.The status and command portion 205 may include various meters ordisplays, such as a Total Bet meter 206 and a Paid Meter 207, as well asinteractive buttons or other controls, such as a Spin button 208. Thegame play grid 210 in this embodiment shows portions of five game reelsused in a video slot game. In other embodiments, however, the game grid210 may include mechanical reels, video poker hands, or other displayelements to show gaming events on the display 200. The messaging portion250 can communicate various data or information to a player at thegaming device. In these embodiments, messaging portion 250 displaysinformation regarding mutable awards associated with gaming events onthe game display 200. However, the messaging portion 250 may also beused to show a title or theme of the game, show advertisements, showgame stats or information, communicate game play options or pays, ordisplay any other type of information or data.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the messaging portion 250displays information about an award having multiple mutable components.In particular, the award defines trigger conditions needed to win one ofmultiple progressive awards. Here, the progressive awards may be won byother predefined conditions, such as predefined symbol combinationsspecified by a paytable, a mystery award technique, or other predefinedaward trigger. The mutable award specified in the messaging portion 250may define an additional way to win one or more of the progressiveawards. However, unlike the predefined progressive award triggers, themutable award components vary or mutate over the course of game play.These mutable qualities may change every game, at specified timeintervals, randomly, or based on one or more conditions occurring on thegaming device, such as receiving a win, not receiving a win for “n”number of games, or other conditions. The individual components of themutable award may change together or may change independently of eachother. For example, one component of the award may change during agaming event while another component keeps its current state. In otherembodiments, the mutable award may be the only way to win particulartypes of awards, such as progressive awards.

In this illustrated embodiment, a first mutable component 252 of theaward defines a numerical value for a number of symbols needed to winone of the progressive awards. A second mutable component 254 of theaward defines a symbol type needed to win one of the progressive awards.In some embodiments, one possible value for the second mutable component254 is “ALL” or “ANY” where any symbol forming a symbol combinationspecified by the other mutable award components 252, 256, 258 is activefor the mutable award. A third mutable component 256 of the awarddefines a payline that the symbols need to appear on to win one of theprogressive awards. In some embodiments, one possible value for thethird mutable component 256 is “ALL” or “ANY” where every played paylineis active for the mutable award. A fourth mutable component 258 of theaward defines which of the progressive awards is available to be won.Although this fourth mutable component 258 is shown as a number todefine which progressive award is won, it may specify a progressive namein other embodiments, such as one of Mega, Major, Minor, or Mini. Takentogether, the mutable award components define an award where: (firstmutable component 252) number of (second mutable component 254) symbolsfrom left to right on played payline (third mutable component 256)awards progressive (fourth mutable component 258).

FIG. 2A shows a game display 200 between played game events where thegame play grid 210 shows the outcome of the last game event, and themessaging portion 250 shows the last defined mutable award. Here, thelast defined mutable award required four cherry symbols to appear fromleft to right on played payline 10 to win the second progressive award.FIG. 2B shows the game display 200 after initiation of a next gamingevent. Here, the game reels in the game play grid 210 are spun, and themutable components 252, 254, 256, 258 of the mutable award are changed.In this embodiment, the mutable components 252, 254, 256, 258 of themutable award are given spinning animation where the outcomes are onindependent reels. In other embodiments, however, the mutable components252, 254, 256, 258 may change immediately or use other visual and/orauditory procedures. In FIG. 2C, the mutable components 252, 254, 256,258 have outcome values displayed while the game reels in the game playgrid 210 are still spinning. By displaying the mutable components 252,254, 256, 258 prior to displaying the game outcome for the gaming event,the player can root for a particular game outcome as the reels come torest in the game play grid 210. In other embodiments, however, themutable components 252, 254, 256, 258 may be revealed substantiallycontemporaneously with the game outcome on the game play grid 210, ormay be revealed after the game outcome on the game play grid isdisplayed. In yet other embodiments, mutable awards may be displayedafter one or more of the game reels comes to rest. In some of theseembodiments, the outcome of the first game reel may at least in partdetermine a mutable award to be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the mutable award in the messaging portion 250 forthis gaming event requires three shaded-7 symbols to appear from left toright on payline 3 in order to win the fifth progressive award. In FIG.2D, the game reels have come to rest in order to show the game outcomein the game play grid 210. As shown in FIG. 2D, four shaded-7 symbolshave landed on the bottom position of game reels 1, 2, 3, and 4,respectively, which is the location of payline 3. Hence, the player haswon the fifth progressive award, which is shown in message box 260. Theaward amount for the fifth progressive as well as the other award valuesfor the winning symbol combinations appearing on the game play grid areprovided to the player as shown in the Paid meter 207. In thisembodiment, the fact that the player received four shaded-7 symbols onpayline 3 rather than only three does not make a difference in awardingthe mutable award. In other embodiments, however, the player may need toreceive exactly three of the specified symbols to win the mutable award.

One possible effect of this mutable award technique is that largerawards that have very small probabilities of hitting can appear to bemore winnable as additional methods of winning them can be defined andshown as the mutable award. Additionally, as the mutable awardsthemselves can drastically change between games, the ease of winning themutable award may change from gaming event to gaming event. For example,a three symbol win on any payline may be much easier to win than a 5symbol win on a particular payline with a particular symbol. Theparticular values available to be shown in the mutable award components252, 254, 256, 258 may be selected to emphasize particular types ofawards or game outcomes. While these values may be chosen completely atrandom, they may also appear in weighted tables so that some types ofvalues appear more often in the mutable award components 252, 254, 256,258. For example, the possible values for the first mutable componentmay be 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. However, the values 1 and 5 may be weightedless than 2, 3, and 4, so they do not appear as often. Other weightingtechniques or composition of possible values for the mutable awardcomponents 252, 254, 256, 258 may be used in different embodiments. Asdiscussed above, and shown in some of the following embodiments, othertypes of mutable awards may be even easier to win, even in someinstances by just appearing in the messaging portion 250.

In other embodiments, the mutable award may require the absence of acondition occurring on a gaming device to trigger the award. Forexample, a mutable award may specify that an award of 50 bonus creditswill be provided if no bar symbols (single bar symbols, double barsymbols, and triple bar symbols) appear on a game play grid for a gameoutcome. Additionally, rules for a mutable award may combine differenttriggering requirements. For example, a mutable award may specify thatan award of 50 bonus credits will be provided if no bar symbols appearon a game play grid, and that at least one cherry symbol appears on thegame play grid for a game outcome.

Mutable rules may also be cascaded upon each other. For example, becausethe mutable award in FIG. 2D was won with shaded-7 symbols, the mutableaward for the next game may offer a similar criterion to win the nexthigher progressive award. That is, the mutable award for the next gamingevent may be 3 shaded-7 symbols from left to right on payline 3 willtrigger and pay the fourth-level progressive (Progressive 4). Thesecascading dependencies could be defined in the mutable award rules usedto define the parameters of the mutable awards.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, a gaming display 300 includes a status andcommand portion 305, a game play grid 310, and a messaging portion 350.The status and command portion 305 may include various meters ordisplays, such as a Total Bet meter 306 and a Paid Meter 307, as well asinteractive buttons or other controls, such as a Spin button 308. Thegame play grid 310 in this embodiment shows portions of five game reelsused in a video slot game. In other embodiments, however, the game grid310 may include mechanical reels, video poker hands, or other displayelements to show gaming events on the display 300. The messaging portion350 can communicate various data or information to a player at thegaming device. In these embodiments, messaging portion 350 displaysinformation regarding mutable awards associated with gaming events onthe game display 300. However, the messaging portion 350 may also beused to show a title or theme of the game, show advertisements, showgame stats or information, communicate game play options or pays, ordisplay any other type of information or data.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the messaging portion 350displays information about an award that again has multiple mutablecomponents. In this particular embodiment, the mutable components 352,354, 356 help define a multiplier value to be assigned to a payline (orall paylines) for a number of future games. While this embodimentspecifies a mutable award for each game event, other embodiments may notprovide a mutable award for one or more gaming events. In theseinstances, the mutable award information may be removed from themessaging portion 350, or the mutable award components 352, 354, 356 maybe blank or have other non-value data entered into them.

FIG. 3A shows a game display 300 between played game events where thegame play grid 310 shows the outcome of the last game event, and themessaging portion 350 shows the last defined mutable award. Here, thelast defined mutable award specified that the award for any winningsymbol combination on payline 5 would be modified by a “2×” multiplier.As shown by the third mutable component 356, the next game will notreceive this mutable award, and a new mutable award will be determinedfor the next game. As discussed above, in other embodiments, no mutableaward may be specified for some gaming events. FIG. 3B shows the gamedisplay 300 after initiation of a next gaming event. Here, the gamereels in the game play grid 310 are spun, and the mutable components352, 354, 356 of the mutable award are changed. In this embodiment, themutable components 352, 354, 356 of the mutable award are given spinninganimations where the possible outcomes are on independent reels.

In FIG. 3C, the mutable components 352, 354, 356 and the game reels inthe game play grid 310 have outcomes displayed. As discussed above, theoutcome values of the mutable components 352, 354, 356 may be displayedprior to displaying the game outcome on the game play grid 310. Here,the mutable award shown in the messaging portion 350 is specified as a“5×” multiplier for any awards of winning symbol combinations onpayline 1. Additionally, it is specified that this mutable award will begood for the next 3 games. In this game outcome, however, a winningsymbol combination is not received on payline 1. Hence, the mutableaward is not won or used. In FIG. 3D, the result of the next gamingevent is shown on the game display 300. Here, the third mutablecomponent 356 in the messaging portion 350 has been modified to showthat only two games remain with this mutable award. However, the firstand second mutable components 352, 354 have not been changed or mutated.In this game outcome shown on the game play grid 310, a winning symbolcombination 360 is received on payline 1, the center horizontal paylinein the game play grid. The 50 credit award for this four symbol pay ismultiplied by the “5×” multiplier specified by the mutable award, and atotal award of 250 credits is provided to the player as shown in thePaid meter 307.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, a gaming display 400 includes a status andcommand portion 405, a game play grid 410, and a messaging portion 450.The status and command portion 405 may include various meters ordisplays, such as a Total Bet meter 406 and a Paid Meter 407, as well asinteractive buttons or other controls, such as a Spin button 408. Thegame play grid 410 in this embodiment shows portions of five game reelsused in a video slot game. In other embodiments, however, the game grid410 may include mechanical reels, video poker hands, or other displayelements to show gaming events on the display 400. The messaging portion450 can communicate various data or information to a player at thegaming device. In these embodiments, messaging portion 450 displaysinformation regarding mutable awards associated with gaming events onthe game display 400. However, the messaging portion 450 may also beused to show a title or theme of the game, show advertisements, showgame stats or information, communicate game play options or pays, ordisplay any other type of information or data.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the messaging portion 450displays information about an award that again has multiple mutablecomponents. In this particular embodiment, the mutable components 452,454 help define bonus credits received for a specified symbol appearingon the game play grid 410. However, unlike the previous two illustratedembodiments, the mutable award is not provided in every gaming event inthis embodiment. This can be seen in FIG. 4A, where the messagingportion 450 shows the game name instead of any mutable award.

In particular, FIG. 4A shows a game display 400 between played gameevents where the game play grid 410 shows the outcome of the last gameevent, and the messaging portion 450 shows either the last definedmutable award or other game information if a mutable award was notdefined for the previous gaming event. Here, a mutable award was notspecified for the last gaming event. Hence, the messaging portion 450does not show any mutable award. FIG. 4B shows the game display 400after initiation of a next gaming event. Here, the game reels in thegame play grid 410 are spun. During this reel spinning an animation isdisplayed in the messaging portion 450 to show that a mutable award iscoming. In FIG. 4C this animation in the messaging portion 450 has endedwith the display of a mutable award with first and second mutablecomponents 452, 454. In this instance, the mutable award specifies that20 bonus credits will be awarded for each shaded-7 symbol that appearson the game play grid 410 as part of the game outcome for the currentgaming event.

In FIG. 4D, the game reels have come to rest to display the game outcomeof the gaming event in the game play grid 410. As shown, four shaded-7symbols appear on the game play grid 410. As these symbols areassociated with a bonus credit value in the mutable award shown in themessaging portion, a total award of 80 credits is provided to the playeras indicated in the Paid meter 407.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5L, a gaming display 500 includes a status andcommand portion 505, a game play grid 510, and a messaging portion 550.The status and command portion 505 may include various meters ordisplays, such as a Total Bet meter 506 and a Paid Meter 507, as well asinteractive buttons or other controls, such as a Spin button 508. Thegame play grid 510 in this embodiment shows portions of five game reelsused in a video slot game. In other embodiments, however, the game grid510 may include mechanical reels, video poker hands, or other displayelements to show gaming events on the display 500. The messaging portion550 can communicate various data or information to a player at thegaming device. In these embodiments, messaging portion 550 displaysinformation regarding mutable awards associated with gaming events onthe game display 500. However, the messaging portion 550 may also beused to show a title or theme of the game, show advertisements, showgame stats or information, communicate game play options or pays, ordisplay any other type of information or data.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5L, the messaging portion 550displays information about a mutable award that can change from game togame. In this particular embodiment, the mutable components of the awardare part of the award message itself that can change with every gamingevent. Unlike the above illustrated embodiments, the mutable award inthis embodiment varies in scope between multiple different types ofawards. Additionally, the mutable award is not necessarily provided inevery gaming event in this embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a game display 500 after a gaming event has been initiatedwhere the game play grid 510 shows the game reels spinning The messagingportion 550 shows that a mutable award was not provided for the lastgaming event, as it shows game information rather than a mutable award.During this gaming event, however, the contents of the messaging portion550 changes to reveal a mutable award for the next game. In thisembodiment, this change in the contents of the messaging portion 550occurs while the game reels are spinning to build player anticipationand allow them to root for specific game outcomes. In FIG. 5B, the gamereels have come to rest to show a game outcome in the game play grid510. Additionally, as mentioned above, the mutable award 552 isdisplayed in the messaging portion for this game event. In thisinstance, the mutable award 552 specifies a “5×” multiplier for allawards won in the gaming outcome. Here, the player has received awinning symbol combination 560 of three shaded-7 symbols on a playedpayline. The 15 credit award corresponding to this three symbol pay isthen multiplied by the “5×” specified by the mutable award 552, and thetotal award of 75 credits is provided to the player as indicated in thePaid meter 507.

In FIG. 5C, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award was not provided for the gaming event, and themessaging portion 550 shows other game information rather than a mutableaward. Although no mutable award was specified for this gaming event,the player did receive a winning symbol combination 560 of three orangesymbols. The 10 credit award associated with this three symbolcombination is provided to the player, as indicated by the Paid meter507.

In FIG. 5D, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award 552 is specified for the gaming event, asshown in the messaging portion 550. Here, the mutable award specifiesthat a bonus of 10 free games or free spins will be awarded if three ormore bell symbols are received on a played payline. The game outcome ofthe gaming event, however, does not include three bell symbols on aplayed payline, or any other winning symbol combination.

In FIG. 5E, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award is specified for the gaming event, as shown inthe messaging portion 550. Here, the mutable award specifies that abonus of 100 credits will be provided for any line win. Since the playerhas received a winning symbol combination 560 of three triple-barsymbols, the player is awarded the 15 credits associated with this threesymbol win as well as the mutable award of 100 credits for a total winof 115 credits, as indicated on the Paid meter 507.

In FIG. 5F, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award was not provided for the gaming event, and themessaging portion 550 shows other game information rather than a mutableaward. Additionally, no winning symbol combinations were received in thegame play grid 510. Hence, the player does not win any credits for thisgaming event.

In FIG. 5G, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award 552 is specified for the gaming event, asshown in the messaging portion 550. Here, the mutable award specifiesthat the value of the Major, Minor, and Mini Progressive awards will bedoubled if they are won during this gaming event. Note that the topprogressive award, the Mega Progressive, was specifically not includedin this mutable award. In other instances, all of the progressiveawards, or a fewer number of the progressive awards, may be specified bythe mutable awards. The game outcome of the gaming event, however, doesnot result in any of the progressive awards being won.

In FIG. 5H, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award 552 is specified for the gaming event, asshown in the messaging portion 550. Here, the mutable award specifiesany winning symbol combinations on paylines 3-20 will have theircorresponding award values multiplied by a “2×” multiplier. The gameoutcome on the game play grid 510, however, indicates that no winningsymbol combinations were received for any of the played paylines.

In FIG. 5I, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award was not provided for the gaming event, and themessaging portion 550 shows other game information rather than a mutableaward. Although no mutable award was specified for this gaming event,the player did receive a winning symbol combination 560 of three cherrysymbols. The 20 credit award associated with this three symbolcombination is provided to the player, as indicated by the Paid meter507. Note that the previous mutable rule shown in FIG. 5H would haveprovided a “2×” multiplier for this award. However, because of themutable nature of these mutable awards in this embodiment, the winningsymbol combination 560 in this gaming event is not bonused.

In FIG. 5J, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award was not provided for the gaming event, and themessaging portion 550 shows other game information rather than a mutableaward. Additionally, no winning symbol combinations were received in thegame play grid 510. Hence, the player does not win any credits for thisgaming event.

In FIG. 5K, the result of the next gaming event is shown. In thisinstance, a mutable award 552 is specified for the gaming event, asshown in the messaging portion 550. Here, the mutable award specifiesthat a free game has been awarded. This means that following the gamingevent, the player gets a free spin or a free game. In some embodiments,this may be executed by going to a second screen free spin bonus wherethe reels may be different. In other embodiments, this may be executedby paying for any awards related to the displayed game outcome,re-spinning the reels, and paying for any wins on the re-spin. In yetother embodiments, this may be executed by not charging a wager when thenext gaming event is initiated. In other embodiments, other types offree games or free spins game play techniques may be used. In thisparticular embodiment, the free game is executed by not requiring awager for the next gaming event. The game outcome on the game play grid510, however, indicates that no winning symbol combinations werereceived for any of the played paylines for the current gaming event.

In FIG. 5L, the result of the next gaming event is shown. As shown bythe Total Bet meter 506, no wager was required for this gaming eventsince it was a free game awarded by the mutable award in the previousgaming event (shown in FIG. 5K). In this instance, a mutable award wasnot provided for the free gaming event, and the messaging portion 550shows other game information rather than a mutable award. Although nomutable award was specified for this gaming event, the player didreceive a winning symbol combination 560 of five orange symbols. The 100credit award associated with this three symbol combination is providedto the player, as indicated by the Paid meter 507.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6H, a gaming display 600 includes a status andcommand portion 605, a game play grid 610, and a messaging portion 650.The status and command portion 605 may include various meters ordisplays, such as a Total Bet meter 606 and a Paid Meter 607, as well asinteractive buttons or other controls, such as a Spin button 608. Thegame play grid 610 in this embodiment shows portions of five game reelsused in a video slot game. In other embodiments, however, the game grid610 may include mechanical reels, video poker hands, or other displayelements to show gaming events on the display 600. The messaging portion650 can communicate various data or information to a player at thegaming device. In these embodiments, messaging portion 650 displaysinformation regarding mutable awards associated with gaming events onthe game display 600. However, the messaging portion 650 may also beused to show a title or theme of the game, show advertisements, showgame stats or information, communicate game play options or pays, ordisplay any other type of information or data.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6H, the messaging portion 650displays information about a mutable award that is provided for afollowing game. That is, unlike some of the embodiments illustratedabove, the mutable award is specified after a game outcome is shown in acurrent gaming event for use on the following gaming event. Hence, inthese embodiments, the player knows if and what the mutable award willbe for the next game they initiate. This may build player anticipationfor the next game even if a current game did not result in an award. Aswith some of the other examples of mutable awards discussed above, themutable awards in this embodiment can change from game to game. In thisparticular embodiment, the first and second mutable components 652, 654of the mutable award help specify a multiplier to be applied to one ormore paylines in the next gaming event. Specifically, the first mutablecomponent 652 specifies a multiplier value and the second mutablecomponent 654 specifies one or more payline to which the multiplier isused to modify corresponding awards associated with winning symbolcombinations on those paylines. Additionally, the mutable award is notnecessarily provided in every gaming event in this embodiment. However,unlike some of the above illustrated embodiments, when a mutable awardis not specified for a gaming event, the first and second mutablecomponents 652, 654 display question marks rather than values.

FIG. 6A shows a game display 600 between played game events where thegame play grid 610 shows the outcome of the last game event, and themessaging portion 650 shows the last defined mutable award, if any, thatwill be applied on the next gaming event. Here, a mutable award is notspecified for the next gaming event. Hence, the mutable componentsdisplay question marks rather than values. FIG. 6B shows the gamedisplay 600 after initiation of a next gaming event. Here, the gamereels in the game play grid 610 are spun. In FIG. 6C the reels come torest to display a game outcome for the gaming event in the game playgrid 610. As shown here, no winning symbol combinations or other awardswere won in this gaming event. In FIG. 6D, a message box 660 shows thatthe current game is over while animation is displayed in the first andsecond mutable components 652, 654. In this embodiment, the animation inthe first and second mutable components 652, 654 indicate that valuesare being determined and some form of the mutable award will be activefor the following gaming event. Here, if no mutable award is specifiedfor the following gaming event, no animation or any other visual orauditory presentation would be made in the first and second mutablecomponents 652, 654. In other embodiments, however, animation or othervisual or auditory presentations may be made regardless if values are tobe specified in the first and second mutable components for thefollowing game.

In FIG. 6E, the animation in the first and second mutable components652, 654 ends and a multiplier value of “3×” is shown in the firstmutable component while a line value of “ALL” is shown in the secondmutable component. This means that a mutable award of a “3×” multiplierwill be applied to award values associated with winning symbolcombinations occurring on any played payline in the next gaming event.In some embodiments, this mutable award may only be used when a maximumwager and/or side wager is placed so that players cannot adjust theirwager amounts to gain an advantage when a favorable mutable award isspecified for the next gaming event. Additionally, in some embodiments,designated mutable awards may be used for the current gaming event aswell as the next gaming event.

In FIG. 6F, the next gaming event has been initiated and the game reelsin the game play grid 610 have been spun. The mutable award specified inthe messaging portion 650 will be applied to this currently initiatedgaming event. In FIG. 6G, the spinning game reels have come to a restand a game outcome for the gaming event is displayed in the game playgrid 610. As shown, a winning symbol combination 660 of four “9” symbolsis received on the game play grid 610. The 50 credit award associatedwith this winning symbol combination 660 is then multiplied by the “3×”specified by the first mutable component 652 of the mutable award toprovide the player a total award of 150 credits, as shown in the Paidmeter 607. In FIG. 6H, a message box 660 shows the current game is overand a determination is made for a mutable award for the next gamingevent. In this instance, it was determined that a mutable award wouldnot be specified for the next gaming event. Hence, questions marks aredisplayed in the first and second mutable components 652, 654.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow diagrams showing example methods of operatinggaming devices to implement mutable awards according to embodiments.Although various processes are shown in a particular order in these flowdiagrams, the order of these processes can be changed in otherembodiments without deviating from the scope or spirit of this concept.Hence, the order of the processes shown is for illustrative purposesonly and is not meant to be restrictive. Additional game processes mayalso be included between various processes even though they are notshown in these flow diagrams for clarity purposes. Further each of theprocesses may be performed by components in a single game device, suchas by a game processor, or may be performed in part or whole by a remoteserver or processor connected to the gaming device via a network. Eachprocess may be encoded in instructions that are stored in a memory, acomputer-readable medium, or another type of storage device.

Note that these example methods are just some embodiments of how a gameoperation can be implemented. As discussed and shown above, manyvariations exist which may require additional, fewer, or differentprocesses to complete.

Referring to FIG. 7, an example method of providing mutable awards in agaming device begins in the flow 700 with process 710 where the existingstates of award components are determined. This process 710 may beimplemented by accessing a memory, registers, software code, or otherstorage mediums to determine an existing value, existing state, existingtrigger condition, etc. for award components that variable. In process720, it is determined if any of the award components are to be mutated.Process 720 may examine trigger conditions or other criteria in makingthe determination if one or more award components are to be mutated. Forexample, in some embodiments a trigger condition may be the placement ofa wager to initiate a game or gaming event on the gaming device. Inother examples, a trigger condition may be a predetermined time intervalhaving elapsed, a specific award being won in a previous game, or anyother trigger condition relating to the gaming device. If it isdetermined in process 720 that no award components are to be mutated,the flow 700 proceeds to process 750 to wait for a next game play event.

If it is determined in process 720 that one or more award components areto be mutated, the flow 700 proceeds to optional process 725 where anoptional selection is made as to which award components are beingmutated. In embodiments where all award conditions are subject tomutation when a triggering event occurs, optional process 725 may not berequired. In other embodiments where one or more of multiple awardcomponents may be mutated with a given trigger condition, process 725enables the determination of which award components are to be mutated.The selection mechanism in process 725 may include a random selection,or may make the selections based on the trigger condition, or based onone or more predefined rule.

Flow 700 then proceeds to process 730 where new states are determinedfor the selected award components. This determination in process 730 mayinclude a random selection, may be based on the trigger condition, ormay be based on one or more predefined rule. In process 740, the awardcomponents with new states are applied to future game play events(unless another trigger condition changes the states of one or moreaward components prior to the initiation of a future game play event).Flow 700 then proceeds to process 750 where the gaming device waits forinitiation of the next game play event.

Referring to FIG. 8, an example method of providing mutable awards in agaming device begins in the flow 800 with process 810 where a signal toinitiate a game event is received. After the signal has been received inprocess 810, a first award component is mutated in process 820 and asecond award component is mutated in process 830. The first and secondmutated award components are then displayed in process 840. Here, forexample, the first and second mutated award components may be shown onthe award information portion 111 (FIG. 1) of a game display. In process850, a game event outcome is determined using the first and secondmutated award components from processes 820 and 830. This game eventoutcome is then displayed in process 860.

As may now be readily understood, one or more devices may be programmedto play various embodiments of the invention. The present invention maybe implemented as a casino gaming machine or other special purposegaming kiosk as described hereinabove, or may be implemented viacomputing systems operating under the direction of local gamingsoftware, and/or remotely-provided software such as provided by anapplication service provider (ASP). The casino gaming machines utilizecomputing systems to control and manage the gaming activity. An exampleof a representative computing system capable of carrying out operationsin accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 9.

Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be used toperform the various gaming functions, display presentations andoperations described herein. The functional modules used in connectionwith the invention may reside in a gaming machine as described, or mayalternatively reside on a stand-alone or networked computer. Thecomputing structure 900 of FIG. 9 is an example computing structure thatcan be used in connection with such electronic gaming machines,computers, or other computer-implemented devices to carry out operationsof the present invention.

The example computing arrangement 900 suitable for performing the gamingfunctions in accordance with the present invention typically includes acentral processor (CPU) 902 coupled to random access memory (RAM) 904and some variation of read-only memory (ROM) 906. The ROM 906 may alsorepresent other types of storage media to store programs, such asprogrammable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), etc. The processor 902may communicate with other internal and external components throughinput/output (I/O) circuitry 908 and bussing 910, to provide controlsignals, communication signals, and the like.

The computing arrangement 900 may also include one or more data storagedevices, including hard and floppy disk drives 912, CD-ROM drives 914,card reader 915, and other hardware capable of reading and/or storinginformation such as DVD, etc. In one embodiment, software for carryingout the operations in accordance with the present invention may bestored and distributed on a CD-ROM 916, diskette 918, access card 919,or other form of computer readable media capable of portably storinginformation. These storage media may be inserted into, and read by,devices such as the CD-ROM drive 914, the disk drive 912, card reader915, etc. The software may also be transmitted to the computingarrangement 900 via data signals, such as being downloadedelectronically via a network, such as the Internet. Further, aspreviously described, the software for carrying out the functionsassociated with the present invention may alternatively be stored ininternal memory/storage of the computing device 900, such as in the ROM906.

The computing arrangement 900 is coupled to the display 911, whichrepresents a display on which the gaming activities in accordance withthe invention are presented. The display 911 represents the“presentation” of the video information in accordance with theinvention, and may be any type of known display or presentation screen,such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, cathode ray tubes(CRT), digital light processing (DLP) displays, liquid crystal onsilicon (LCOS) displays, etc.

Where the computing device 900 represents a stand-alone or networkedcomputer, the display 911 may represent a standard computer terminal ordisplay capable of displaying multiple windows, frames, etc. Where thecomputing device is embedded within an electronic gaming machine, thedisplay 911 corresponds to the display screen of the gamingmachine/kiosk. A user input interface 922 such as a mouse,keyboard/keypad, microphone, touch pad, trackball, joystick, touchscreen, voice-recognition system, etc. may be provided. The display 911may also act as a user input device, e.g., where the display 911 is atouchscreen device.

Chance-based gaming systems such as slot machines, in which the presentinvention is applicable, are governed by random numbers and processors,as facilitated by a random number generator (RNG). The fixed and dynamicsymbols generated as part of a gaming activity may be produced using oneor more RNGs. RNGs as known in the art may be implemented usinghardware, software operable in connection with the processor 902, orsome combination of hardware and software. The present invention isoperable using any known RNG, and may be integrally programmed as partof the processor 902 operation, or alternatively may be a separate RNGcontroller 940.

The computing arrangement 900 may be connected to other computingdevices or gaming machines, such as via a network. The computingarrangement 900 may be connected to a network server 928 in an intranetor local network configuration. The computer may further be part of alarger network configuration as in a global area network (GAN) such asthe Internet. In such a case, the computer may have access to one ormore web servers via the Internet. In other arrangements, the computingarrangement 900 may be configured as an Internet server and software forcarrying out the operations in accordance with the present invention mayinteract with the player via one or more networks.

Other components directed to gaming machine implementations includemanners of gaming participant payment, and gaming machine payout. Forexample, a gaming machine including the computing arrangement 900 mayalso include a hopper controller 942 to determine the amount of payoutto be provided to the participant. The hopper controller may beintegrally implemented with the processor 902, or alternatively as aseparate hopper controller 942. A hopper 944 may also be provided ingaming machine embodiments, where the hopper serves as the mechanismholding the coins/tokens of the machine. The wager input module 946represents any mechanism for accepting coins, tokens, coupons, bills,electronic fund transfer (EFT), tickets, credit cards, smart cards,membership cards, etc., for which a participant inputs a wager amount.It will be appreciated that the primary gaming software 932 may be ableto control payouts via the hopper 944 and controller 942 forindependently determined payout events.

Among other functions, the computing arrangement 900 provides aninteractive experience to players via input interface 922 and outputdevices, such as the display 911, speaker 930, etc. These experiencesare generally controlled by gaming software 932 that controls a primarygaming activity of the computing arrangement 900. The gaming software932 may be temporarily loaded into RAM 904, and may be stored locallyusing any combination of ROM 906, drives 912, media player 914, or othercomputer-readable storage media known in the art. The primary gamingsoftware 932 may also be accessed remotely, such as via the server 928or the Internet.

The primary gaming software 932 in the computing arrangement 900 isshown here as an application software module. According to embodimentsof the present invention, this software 932 provides a slot game orsimilar game of chance as described hereinabove. For example, thesoftware 932 may present, by way of the display 911, representations ofsymbols to map or otherwise display as part of a slot based game havingreels. However, in other embodiments, the principles of this concept maybe applied to poker games or other types of games of chance. One or morealigned positions of these game elements may be evaluated to determineawards based on a paytable. The software 932 may include instructions toprovide other functionality as known in the art and described herein,such as shown and described above regarding FIGS. 1-8.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching. For example, the present invention is equallyapplicable in electronic or mechanical gaming machines, and is alsoapplicable to live table versions of gaming activities that are capableof being played in a table version (e.g., machines involving poker orcard games that could be played via table games).

Some embodiments of the invention have been described above, and inaddition, some specific details are shown for purposes of illustratingthe inventive principles. However, numerous other arrangements may bedevised in accordance with the inventive principles of this patentdisclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described indetail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, while the inventionis described in conjunction with the specific embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings.Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications,and equivalents that come within the scope and spirit of the inventiveprinciples set out in the appended claims.

1. A gaming device comprising: a display including a video screen havinga game play grid to display game outcomes of gaming events, and amessaging portion to display a mutable award including a first mutablecomponent and a second mutable component; a player interface includingat least one button, the button configured to generate a signal inresponse to being activated; a wager input device structured to identifyand validate currency or currency based tickets; secured circuitryoperable to generate random numbers; and game circuitry operable to:receive a primary game initiation signal, select a value for at leastone of the first mutable component and the second mutable component,display the at least one selected value in the messaging portion of thedisplay, determine an outcome for a primary gaming event, display thedetermined primary game outcome in the game play grid of the display,evaluate the determined primary game outcome to identify winning symbolcombinations, evaluate the mutable award to identify whether an awardtriggering criterion has been satisfied, implement the mutable awardutilizing at least one of the values of the first mutable component andthe second mutable component, and provide awards based on the evaluationof the primary game outcome and the implementation of the mutable award.2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the first mutable component ofthe mutable award specifies the award triggering criterion.
 3. Thegaming device of claim 2, wherein the award triggering criterionspecified by the first mutable component includes identifying atriggering symbol chosen from a plurality of symbols used in the primarygaming event.
 4. The gaming device of claim 3, wherein the awardtriggering criterion specified by the first mutable component includesidentifying a number of triggering symbols needed to trigger the mutableaward.
 5. The gaming device of claim 2, wherein the award triggeringcriterion specified by the first mutable component includes identifyingat least one triggering payline.
 6. The gaming device of claim 1,wherein the first mutable component of the mutable award specifies anaward type.
 7. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein the specified awardtype for the mutable award includes at least one of a multiplier award,a free games award, a progressive award, or a bonus credit award.
 8. Thegaming device of claim 1, wherein the second mutable component of themutable award specifies a degree of magnitude for the mutable award. 9.The gaming device of claim 8, wherein the specified degree of magnitudefor the mutable award includes at least one of a multiplier value, anumber of free games in a free games award, an indication of one of aplurality of progressive awards to be associated with the mutable award,or a bonus credit value.
 10. The gaming device of claim 1, furthercomprising a memory to store a mutable award template, wherein the firstmutable component and the second mutable component indicate values tofill in the mutable award template to generate the mutable award. 11.The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the operation of the gamecircuitry to select a value for at least one of the first mutablecomponent and the second mutable component includes incrementing a valuefor one of the first mutable component or the second mutable componentto improve odds of triggering the mutable award.
 12. A gaming devicecomprising: a display including a video screen having a game play gridto display game outcomes of gaming events, and a messaging portion todisplay a mutable award including a first mutable component and a secondmutable component; a player interface including at least one button, thebutton configured to generate a signal in response to being activated; awager input device structured to identify and validate currency orcurrency based tickets; secured circuitry operable to generate randomnumbers; and game circuitry operable to: receive a first game initiationsignal, determine an outcome for a first gaming event, display thedetermined first game outcome in the game play grid of the display,evaluate the determined first game outcome to identify winning symbolcombinations, provide awards based on the evaluation of the first gameoutcome, select a value for at least one of the first mutable componentand the second mutable component, display the mutable award with the atleast one selected value in the messaging portion of the display,receive a second game initiation signal, determine an outcome for asecond gaming event, display the determined second game outcome in thegame play grid of the display, evaluate the determined second gameoutcome to identify winning symbol combinations, evaluate the mutableaward to identify whether an award triggering criterion has beensatisfied, implement the mutable award utilizing at least one of thevalues of the first mutable component and the second mutable component,and provide awards based on the evaluation of the second game outcomeand the implementation of the mutable award.
 13. The gaming device ofclaim 12, wherein the first mutable component of the mutable awardspecifies the award triggering criterion.
 14. The gaming device of claim12, wherein the first mutable component of the mutable award specifiesan award type.
 15. The gaming device of claim 12, wherein the secondmutable component of the mutable award specifies a degree of magnitudefor the mutable award.
 16. A gaming system connected to a game displayoperable to display a game play grid to display game outcomes of gamingevents and a messaging portion to display a mutable award, and connectedto a player interface operable to receive player inputs, the gamingsystem including circuitry operable to perform processes comprising:receiving a primary game initiation signal; selecting an awardtriggering criterion from a plurality of predefined award triggers forthe mutable award; transmitting a signal to the game display to displaythe award triggering criterion for the mutable award in the messagingportion of the game display; determining an outcome for the primarygaming event; transmitting a signal to the game display to display thedetermined primary game outcome in the game play grid of the gamedisplay; evaluating the determined primary game outcome to identifywinning symbol combinations; evaluating the mutable award to identifywhether the selected award triggering criterion has been satisfied;implementing the mutable award; and providing awards based on theevaluation of the primary game outcome and the implementation of themutable award.
 17. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein the circuitryis further operable to perform the process of selecting an award typefrom a plurality of predefined award types for the mutable award. 18.The gaming system of claim 16, wherein the operation of the circuitry toperform the process of selecting an award triggering criterion from aplurality of predefined award triggers for the mutable award furtherincludes determining if a mutable award will be active for the primarygaming event.
 19. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein each of theplurality of predefined award triggers includes an award type associatedwith the respective award trigger.
 20. The gaming system of claim 16,wherein each of the plurality of predefined award triggers includes avariable mutable component, the circuitry being further operable toperform the process of selecting an award type from a plurality ofpredefined award types for the mutable component of the selected awardtriggering criterion.